No Dessert Tonight

I was supposed to meet my friend after we finished work (for dessert) but she had to work late (go figure!). I had planed for today to be a day of rest, but with no plans and a beautiful night ahead of me, I decided to be a little productive and head to the track for a quick work out. I completed another "speed" work out, but this time I was almost 2 minutes slower than last time, which I was bummed about--but then again every run can't be perfect, right?

Time: 21.43
Miles: 2 and 1/2
Results: I felt like I was running at a good pace, but my time was a lot slower, so I'm not sure what the problem was.

~Don't forget to check out Dianna's blog questioner on 7/28 ~ :)
http://runningchick.blogspot.com/

Back to the Dam

I went back to the dam today and not surprising, I got lost again.....but it was okay because it was a perfect night for running and I had no where else to be (I saw a deer again tonight too!). In the process, I found a lot of new trails, so I'm hoping to go back soon to see where they all lead. Maybe I'll bring a running friend with me, who actually has a sense of direction. :)

Time: 1:2.26
Miles: I guessing that I was running 9 and 1/2 min. miles, so maybe six and half miles total, but who knows
Results: a good run, no problems

Cooking 101

So...the plan was to change into my running clothes directly after work and go for a run around town, but nothing ever goes as planned, right? :) I quickly realized that I forgot my stop watch and socks, and I wasn't about to go for a run with out either of them, so I headed home and ran one of the regular trails near my house.

I do have good news. In another attempt to reach my goal of "eating healthier", I registered for a cooking class, which starts on the 10th. I am so excited.....no more dinners of mac 'n cheese! Also, I had a salad for lunch and everything in it, including the lettuce, came straight from the garden (Thanks Luke)!

Time: 54.34
Miles: unknown (mostly in the woods)
Results - easy and slow, a good run

No More High Heals?!?

Recently I’ve been experimenting with wearing different types to shoes to work.  For the past several weeks, my knees have had “issues”.  No pains or strains, just occasional “popping”.  It’s more annoying than anything else.  I told Dianna about my problem a few weeks ago and she told me that it may have to do with the shoes I wear to work.

So….I guess high heels are supposed to be the worst type of shoes you can possibly wear, but they are just so cute!  :) Last week, I wore flats all week and had no problems, but I pulled out the heals for church yesterday and for work today and my “issue” was back.  So now, I have to decide what’s more important-a cute pair of shoes with occasional “popping” or flats with a “normal” knee.  What to do?!?

Time – 26.58
Miles – a little over 3
Results – A great run with Dianna and I learned a new way to attack the hills, small and quick strides!

Another Good Weekend

Sunday
I didn't run today, instead I went to the courts and played tennis with Karin for an hour. I had a lot of fun and it was a such a great work out. I really enjoy tennis because you constantly have to think about your next move, and you get a good work out with out even realizing it. We played until we couldn't see the ball any more, next time we'll have to buy a glow in the dark tennis ball. :)

Saturday
Weather - I can't remember...It had poured just before I left the house, but I only remember it being cloudy and not too bad during the run
Time - 1 hour
Miles - a little over 6
Results - I joined Dianna for the the first loop of her twelve mile run. It was nice to have a running partner for the long distance run, because it made the time fly by. I was happy with our pace (considering the hills, and slippery terrain). After the run, I stayed in town for the day (after a shower--of course) and went out to eat with a friend at Ruby Tuesdays'. In an attempt to eat healthier, I order the veggie wrap and it was surprisingly delicious. Afterwards, I went bowling with a few friends. Does bowling count as more exercise? I'm thinking not.....with a score of 67! :)

Friday
Weather - cool and breezy, 70's
Time - 41.24
Miles - ? (unmarked trails)
Results - I took it easy and spent most of my time in the woods. The best part...I saw a deer!

On the Track

I attempted a speed work-out at the track tonight. I don't really know what a speed work-out exactly is, but I do remember my cross country coach making us run on the track once a week. He would tell us to run at a quick pace for the two straight sections, and use the two corner turns as recovery zones, in which we could run as slow as needed. I remember my coach yelling "quick legs, quick legs", so tonight as I was running, I kept hearing his voice, telling me to run faster. :)

Tonight, I went blue berry picking with a friend. Blue berries make you run supper fast, right? I'm hoping! :)

Weather: no humidity (yeah!), high 70's
Time: exactly 20 minutes
Miles: 2 miles of the "speed work-out" and 1/2 mile warm up/cool down

Pacing Problems

Well...tonight's run stunk. I went out way to fast and after ten minutes it felt like I had "hit a wall". I had to slow down considerably. After that, I tried to find a consistent pace, but I couldn't. I was also upset because I had parked my car at the opposite end of the dam (with hopes of making a complete circle) and some how I got lost again. The trail I was on ended up being a dead end, so I had to turn around and head back to the car.

Sorry for all the complaining. I really should be thankful I have the ability to run at all, even when I get lost and have random pacing.

Weather: sunny, 83 degrees
Time: 37.07
Miles: ? (unmarked trails)
Results: it stunk

I'm trying to figure out the best time to have dinner and go for an evening run. This past week, I have been getting home from work at 6:45 and I've been famished. If I want to get in a decent run, I have to leave the house by 7:20, and I really don't like to eat just before I run. Maybe I'll try having a small snack before I leave for tomorrow's run and see how that works. ~ Which reminds me, I've been doing so bad with my "eat healthier" goal. I made a really good chicken meal two weeks ago and even though it was relatively easy to make, I've been lacking the motivation to make it again or try another healthy meal. Last night I had a large bowl of triscuits with salsa and an ice cream bar--for Dinner. Shame, Shame on me! On the bright side, I've given up soda and doughnuts since July 1st, which has been extremely difficult because I love Diet Coke and ever since I was a little girl, my mom would buy doughnuts for the family every Sunday before church. I still have "doughnut cravings" every Sunday morning, but I've been resisting! :)

No More Humidity

Tuesday - July 13th
I went back to the dam today and had another good run. Most important, I didn't get lost-Hooray! :) Part of the trail goes between the waters edge and a field, which has beautiful purple wild flowers growing in it. (I hadn't noticed them the last time I was there.) It always amazes me, how the same running route can seem entirely different as the seasons and environment change. I was also accompanied by a few hundred crickets tonight, "singing their little song". :)

Weather: a little less humid, 88 degrees
Time: 49.38
Miles: ? (unmarked trails)
Results: so far, so good :)


Monday - July 12th
I was feeling really antsy at work all day, so it was nice to have something to look forward to at the end of the day. I met Dianna at Mansfield Hollow again. She seems to sum it up the best by saying, "it's pretty funny to watch us because neither one of us knows how to set a pace so we run like crazy without any idea how fast we are going." Although this time we did not break any records. It was ridiculously humid and after the first few minutes, I didn't know if I was going to make it, but we did! :)

Weather: hot, humid, 80's
Time: 26.36
Miles: 3
Results: My body was feeling fine, but it was difficult to breathe, because of the humidity.

A Little Less About Running, More About Life

I had a wonderful weekend at the beach with my friends. It was so relaxing. On Saturday we spent the day at the beach, went crab fishing for dinner, and had a cook out. Around midnight, we took a long walk on the beach which of course brought up some of life's "deep" questions which you never really think about, until you have time to just listen to the waves crash on the shore and wonder what the future will hold. On Sunday, we slept in late and headed to the cliff walk in Newport, Rhode Island. http://www.cliffwalk.com/ The weather was perfect and the walk was beautiful, right along the coast. A few runners passed us while we were walking, which made me slightly jealous, but I was happy to be with my friends. It was so nice to spend the weekend with my friends from high school. At times, I felt like things had never changed between us. We were all still as crazy as ever, but then again it was a little different this time because Justin and Stephanie are married and Ryan and Kristina have "real" jobs and live out west. We all left high school at virtually the same point in our lives and now we are all at such different places. But, change is good!

So, even though I had packed my running gear, I never had a chance to go for a run. I thought it would be great to go for a run on the beach, but after Sunday night, I realized that sand has to be one of the worst running surfaces, so I'm glad I waited until I was back home.

Sunday
Weather: sprinkling, slightly humid, 70 (ish) degrees
Time: 52.53
Miles: 6.2 (the Memorial Day 10K race course)
Results: I was feeling good for most of the run, but at the last mile the soles of my feet started burning. After I finished, they were fine again. Hmmm..I wonder what that was about?

Stretching

My alarm went off at 7:30, but I didn't actually get up until a little after 8. That pesky snooze button kept calling my name!! :) I ran the same route as Wednesday and my time was a little faster, which surprised me because my legs felt like bricks for the first ten minutes-which I attribute to taking Thursday off and not stretching. Stretching is always last on my list of "things to do". The majority of the time, I skip it, even if I do have time. Luckily, I've never had a serious running injury (just a few shin splints when I was in high school). I know I should stretch, but for some reason I just can't make myself do it. Hal's training program includes a day of stretching/strength, so I guess I'm going to have to start soon! I'm off to the beach for the weekend, and of course my running gear is packed. :) Have a great weekend everyone!

Weather: beautiful, sunny morning - 78 deggrees
Time: 44.39
Miles: ? (same as Wednrsday)
Results: My legs were tiered at first, but felt much better after ten minutes.

Let's Play "Running"

I didn't get in a run today. When I woke up, I decided shopping at the mall would be a little more fun compared to my normal running routine. :) I thought I would have time for an evening run, but by the time I got home it was 10:30, and I just did not have enough motivation to climb on the treadmill at Jeff and Caryn's house. ~ I did get in a little exercise while watching the boys. We went for a nature walk and at little Sam's request, we "played running". (You can tell his parents are runners too!) :) He was the runner, his brother was the time keeper and race line official and his little sister and I were part of the cheering crowd. How cute! My alarm is set for 7:30, so I will definitely make sure I get in a run tomorrow morning!

Goals/Schedule/History

As promised, here are my training goals, schedule and running history. :)

I have a few goals. My primary goal is to finish the half marathon on October 9th. My secondary goals include; eating healthier, stop stressing about little things, learning how to pace myself while running, and getting more sleep.

As for training, I have decided to follow Hal Higdon's half marathon training schedule (Novice Program). After reading a few schedules online, I chose Hal's program because it seems the most compatible with my schedule and because my Monday running partner, Dianna, recommend it. If it worked for her last year, I'm hoping it will work for me. :) I really like the flexibility of the schedule. Hal even said, "Adjust the schedule accordingly. Be consistent with your training, and the overall details won't matter." I also like how the schedule is organized Monday through Sunday with one day of rest and only one long distance run a week. I'm excited that I've found a schedule which I believe in and will hopefully enjoy. I can't wait until October 9th! :)

I started cross-country during my freshman year of high school and continued with it for the next three years. When I arrived at college, I was determined not to gain the "freshmen 15" so I started running two to three days a week with a friend down the hall. Actually, it was more like social jogging. :) The next year, I transferred to a new college and started running a few days a week, but it was mainly to counter the fatty cafeteria food. I also signed up for an adventure running class, which I absolutely loved. It was during this time that I fell in love with running again, and not because I was trying to loose weight, but because I really enjoyed it. This past March I started running again. I trained for the Woodstock Memorial Day Race, and on that race day I picked up a registration for the Chaplin Country race, where I met Dianna. I was initially thinking about giving up running for the summer (like I have for the past two years-because of the heat), but after meeting new running friends and hearing their excitement about running and up-coming races, I decided not to give up. Within a few weeks, I sent in my registration for the half marathon, which is when I started this blog.

Tuesday - Running For The Chicken

Wednesday - July 14th
I had a really nice run today, despite the dismal weather. My brother told me about a new trail in the woods that breaks off from the trail I normally take. I love trail running, and especially going on new trails because you never know what to expect. There was a short but decent sized hill in the middle, and a long gradual downward slope at the end. I didn't see any wild animals, but maybe they were all hiding in their "homes" preparing for the rain storm. :)

Weather: overcast (on the verge of a rain storm), high 60's
Time: 46.07
Miles: ?
Results: I felt like I was moving at a good pace while on the roads, but a little slower in the woods.


Tuesday - July 13th
My first attempt at healthier "real" cooking went surprising well. I had baked chicken, potatoes, and carrots. I didn't get home until 7:00 and I was really hungry, so I immediately threw the chicken into the oven (which needed to bake for thirty minutest at one temperature, and then be turned down). I knew I had exactly half an hour to get in a quick run, so I pushed it, and made it home just in time!

Weather: sprinkling, mid 60's
Time: 30.28
Miles: 3.6 miles
Results: still feeling good

The Cutest Dog

April and Haley 


Oh my....I really did not mean for my picture to be part of this post or to be so big. I just wanted it as the tiny picture next to my name on the main page. Does any one know how to do that?

On a better note, I went running with my Monday running partner Dianna. I always enjoy running with her because she motivates me to run fast and it's always nice to talk "running talk" to some one who really understands.

Weather: a little rain, low 70's
Time: 25ish min.
Miles: I'm not sure, but I will find out next week.
Results: Feeling good - If it was not for Dianna, I would never get in a speed work-out.

Man Overboard

Instead of going for a run today, I did a little cross-training and went canoeing. My brother and I drove to a friends' house on a nearby lake. After ten minutes my arms were sore, but we stayed on the lake for over an hour and had a fun time. Everything went fine, until I got ready to step out of the canoe. I completely forgot to be careful, and before I knew it...I was safe and dry on the dock and my brother was upside down in the water. I felt really bad, especially because everything was soaked: his cell phone, extra clothes, towel, everything. Let's just say, I learned my lesson about getting out of a canoe the wrong way! :)

Internal Compass Malfunction

It's Saturday, which means I attempted a longer run. Recently, I have been looking for new longer running routes, because I only know of my two regular ones; one which starts at my house and completes a large circle and the other is a 10K race course, which begins near my house (both primarily on pavement). I was still undecided about where to run, when it hit me.....the dam in town. When I was in high school, I would occasionally run at the dam, which had both paved trails and trails in the woods.

So..... I hopped in the car and set off for my new running route. When I arrived, I could not remember any trails or where to go, so I took a chance and started down a path. After thirty minutes of running on a paved route, I found a yellow dot trail through the woods, which I preferred. I like running on pavement for races, but in general trail running is my favorite. (You just have to watch out for tree roots and pine cones.) My initial plan was to run for an hour, but some where in the midst of the trial, I took a wrong turn (I guess my internal compass was not working) :) which added ten minutes on to my expected time, but that was okay because I was so happy I had found a trail in the woods (and as an extra bonus-part of the trail runs right along the water, so I had a spectacular view and a slight breeze). Now that I know where I am going, I plan on doing a lot more running at the dam, (let's just hope my interal compass works better next time). :)


Weather: sunny, mid 70's
Time: 1:10.37
Miles: I have no idea. I felt like I was running at an average pace, but it was uneven terrain for most of the yellow dot trail, so I was probably going slower than normal
Results: A bit longer than I expected, but overall I was very pleased.

The "Post Card" Sunset

I had a great run today. I increased my pace and was really hoping to complete the route in 35 minutes, but I was satisfied with my time at the end, because I knew that I had tried my best. It was beautiful going for an evening run, compared to my normal morning run because the sun was setting and the sky was like one of those generic sunset pictures you see on a vacation postcard (yet much more impressive in person). I live on top of a hill, which has an amazing view of the town and nearby fields. I so often forget to enjoy the view as I drive past the scenery, but while I am running I have no choice but to enjoy it. :)


Weather: setting sun, slightly breezy, low 70's
Time: 36.26
Miles: 4 miles-ish?
Results: I did my best to take full advantage of gravity, instead of resisting it like normal, which helped my time.

If Only I Could Rewind Time

Thursday: I took the day off and slept in late. I needed some time to catch up on sleep and give my legs a break.

Wednesday: I had such a bad running day. It all started at 7am, when two extremely annoying birds woke me up and would not stop squawking. When I finally got up, I had to call my insurance company, my doctor and optometrist to schedule apointments. Needless to say, what I thought would take me ten minutes, ended up taking an hour. My frustration only increased as I headed out for my run, which is very unusual because running normally relaxes me. I felt like I had no motivation or energy while I was running. I was dragging my feet and wishing I was home in bed, nearly the whole time. At the end of my run, I realized I had lost one of my favorite earrings. If only I could rewind time and change the way the morning progressed, I certainly would.


Weather: sunny and warm, 75 degrees
Time: 39.39
Miles: 4 miles-ish?
Results: Even though I had no physical problems, my body did not want to run. :(

The Fortune Cookie

Last night I had Chinese food for dinner, and one of my fortune cookies said, "You will conquer obstacles to achieve success". I couldn't help but think of the half marathon, and how I will have to conquer obstacles while running the race, both physically and mentally. Yet in the end, I have faith that I will finish. Now, I'm just hoping my second fortune cookie will come true "Romance comes into your life this year in a very unusual way." LOL

I have not started my "real" half marathon training, but I have been trying to run four to five days a week, at varied distances. Today, I went for a long run and it was just great. I felt like I was going a steady pace and it was wonderful to have a slight breeze. After work, I went back to my running route and clocked the mileage, so I would have some idea how far I ran. The first and last mile-ish are in the woods, so I had to do a little estimating.

(side note - I don't honestly believe in fortune cookies or fortune tellers or anything like that.)

Weather: warm and slightly breezy, mid 80's
Time: 1:01
Miles: 6.3
Results: still feeling good--no pains, no cramps, no problems :)

4th of July Weekend

I just got back from Pennsylvania, and I had a wonderful weekend. We went to Chocolate World, took the speed boat out, made a few stops at Rita's, saw the Note Book (which I recommend as a chick flick), ate at the Hershey Pantry, and of course saw spectacular fireworks. Kristina also gave me cooking lesson (for baked chicken), which I plan on making very soon. I think eating healthy is an essential aspect of preparing for a half marathon, which is something I desperately need to work on---no more dinners of mac 'n cheese and PB&J!!! :)

I was able to go for one short run over the weekend. I ran down the street for 15 minutes and turned around. Chad said it was probably 3 miles total, but I felt like I was running faster than a 10 minute mile, yet with my random pacing--who knows! :) It was nice to have a change of scenery from my normal running route. It was also nice to soak in the hot, sunny weather. I love the heat...as long as there is no humidity!

I took Sunday and Monday off, so it's back to the running groove tomorrow!

Weather: sunny and hot, upper 80's
Time: 31.52
Miles: 3 miles? (who knows) :)
Results: It was a good run. I wasn't pushing it and I wasn't dragging.

I'm Late, I'm Late For a Very Important Date

Well...maybe not late for a date, but I am running a little late this morning for work. I am supposed to arrive to work an hour early because I need to leave early--but I don't see that happening. :) Tonight I'm flying to Philadelphia, PA to visit my cousin Kristina (who is also a runner) and her husband Chad. I am so excited! I can't wait see them and maybe Kristina and I will be able to go for a run over the weekend.

Because I was running a late, I tried my best to pick up the pace today and it worked a little. I was two minutes faster than yesterday. I felt great at the beginning-going out a little faster than normal, but at the end I felt drained and had to slow down significantly. I really need to work on my pacing.

I hope you all have a wonderful 4th of July weekend. If you are racing this weekend, I wish you luck (especially to my Monday running partner Dianna)!


Weather: hazy and hot, 78 degrees
Time: 37.33
Miles: 4 miles? (I still have to clock it.)
Results: I went out a little to fast at the beginning and paid for it at the end, but overall I was pleased with the run.

I Did It! I Did It!

When ever my little cousin completes a most difficult task, (like counting all the blocks in his toy box) :) he excitedly turns around, smiles brightly and explains, "I did it! I did it!". Well, that is what I feel like saying today. Today, I sent in my registration for the Hartford, Connecticut half marathon, scheduled for October 9th. I have never run more than a 10K race before, so I am very nervous and excited about this new challenge!

So many things have motivated me to reach this point, and in the near future I will write a post about my running history, experiences and training goals, but for today...I think I'll end this post with a quote from this weeks Time magazine by Nancy Gibbs, "The time to turn over a new leaf is when the leaves are full" Today is a beautiful day, the trees and flowers outside my window are in full bloom and the the sun is shinning. Today is the day I will "turn over a new leaf".....13 miles here I come!

Weather: sunny, low 80's
Time: 39.22
Miles: 4 miles? (I'll have to clock it next time.)
Results: I took it nice and slow and felt great!